Imagine the excitement of being accepted for a new position. You prepare your mind for the acceptance of knowledge about the company and its practices. Should you worry? The interviewer was pleasant. Your trainer was great. You’ve prepared yourself by reviewing the training material and familiarizing yourself with the do’s and don’ts. Then, she said, “I’m sorry, but I’m ending your contract.”
The Job Posting
You browse internet postings hoping to supplement your income. After reading posting after posting, you see the one that peaks your interest. And you think, I can do that job. Besides, I have the experience. Then, you think, I’m overqualified. So, you figure you have an excellent chance of securing the position. After completing an online application and submitting an email, you receive the coveted “let’s schedule an interview” email. Excitement consumes you. You eagerly respond. She sets the date.
The Interview
An hour before the interview, you do everything you can to make the butterflies go away. You perform breathing exercises and practice assumed questions. Five minutes left until your time to shine. Nervousness cannot overshadow your opportunity. After taking a deep breath, you are ready. It’s your time to shine.
Question after question, you nail it. Your confidence is extraordinary. You know you’ve snagged this position. The interviewer thanks you for the interview. “You’re hired.” A smile forms. You thank the interviewer and look forward to orientation.
Orientation
The HR representative goes over the company policies and procedures. She states you’re an independent contractor and taxes are your responsibility. You think to yourself, “Okay. It’s a new responsibility. I’ll set aside money for taxes. It won’t be a problem.”
Training
Training consists of three hours of the trainer reading the handbook. You follow along and think about how much information your mind needs to absorb.
The trainer tells you to read over the information for the next few days and practice in the test system. Practicing in the test system requires two people. You’re not provided with anyone.
Unlike other companies you’ve worked for, they gave adequate training. Not this one.
Red flag.
Shadowing
At this point, you’ve invested four hours of time with this company plus an additional two hours reading their manual.
Watching a co-worker perform the job doesn’t require skills. This experienced person knows the job. It’s not difficult for them. However, you’re performance differs.
I’m Sorry, but I’m Ending Your Contract
The trainer gives you test situations. You complete 1 out of 5 successfully.
Her voice changes. The dreaded words: “I’m sorry, but I’m ending your contract.” She wishes you success in your job hunting. You say, “Thank you.”
Really?
I know you may think what do you expect you completed 1 out of 5 of the test situations successfully.
Agreed.
However, how is a person expected to perfect something after less than eight hours of training? Out of all of the positions I’ve ever held, I had at the minimum a week of training.
Additionally, no compensation for your time.
The Aftermath
After several moments of thinking about what happened, you realize that you’re not the flawed one. And, If you didn’t realize it, you should.
You have to accept the experience as one of those experiences that make you wonder how in the world did they expect me to accomplish that.
On the bright side, you dodged a bullet.
They saved you from a stressful work environment.
